Directed by: Tim Burton
Released: 2005
Country: United States, United Kingdom, Germany
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Family, Comedy
Main cast: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, Helena Bonham Carter, Noah Taylor, David Kelly, Christopher Lee, Deep Roy, Jordan Fry, Julia Winter, AnnaSophia Robb, Philip Wiegratz
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Review
The novels of the British author Roald Dahl (1917-1990) have been liked by both children and adults. His works have been adapted into film numerous times. Back in 1971, his novel ''Charlie and the Chocolate'' had been made into a film titled ''Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory''. Besides, his novel ''The Witches'' was made into a film in 1990, the film adaptations of ''James and the Giant Peach'' and ''Matilda'' were made in 1996. And in 2005, acclaimed film director Tim Burton made this pleasant version of ''Charlie and the Chocolate Factory''.
Most of the parts of the film are quite accurate to the book. There have been several minor changes, but that doesn't affect much. But however, Tim Burton added several extra things to this film. For example, we are shown Willy Wonka's background in this film. This is one of the things which make the film more heartwarming. And also, it's pleasant to see most of the parts of the film being quite faithful to the book.
Freddie Highmore, the amazing actor from ''Finding Neverland'', plays the protagonist in this film. He plays Charlie Bucket, a boy who lives in poverty in a small house with his parents and grandparents.
But let's start with the first things first. I liked the opening credits of this film. The backgrounds seen in the opening credits is likeable (I won't reveal that!).
Then we see a snowy place, and a little house. Charlie Bucket lives there with his family. Charlie's father is not paid well, so they live in poverty. Charlie's family consists of his parents, and four grandparents. The grandparents never get out of bed as they are very old.
Grandpa Joe tells Charlie about Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. The most intelligent chocolate maker, Willy Wonka maintains the greatest chocolate factory in the world. Years ago, Grandpa Joe used to work there. The factory was successful and produced amazing chocolates.
But then things started getting bad: other chocolate manufacturers start sending spies to the factory. The spies join as workers, and secretly give the secrets recipes to the other manufacturers, who soon start making the chocolates which would once only be made by Willy Wonka. Disappointed and worried, Willy Wonka closed down the factory and all his employees, including Grandpa Joe, was fired.But then, after many days, the factory was reopened. But the strange thing was, no workers were visible in the factory. No one would come in or out of the factory.
Charlie gets only one chocolate bar in a year, for his birthday. Then something amazing happens: Willy Wonka has hidden five golden tickets in chocolate bars, and these five chocolates could be anywhere on the world! The children who receive the ticket are allowed for a tour through Wonka's factory! Young Charlie is quite excited. But sadly, no ticket is found when he opens the chocolate bar he got as his birthday present. Four children from different places of the world, find the four golden tickets. Then one day, something amazing happens. Charlie finds some money on the street, buys a Wonka bar, and...
You can probably imagine what happens then. Yes, Charlie finds the ticket! He can go through a tour to the factory! Grandpa Joe accompanies him.
Then adventures start.
The four other kids are in some way nasty or other. Augustus Gloop is a fat, very fat boy who eats so many chocolates in a day. Veruca Salt is always spoiled by her father. Violet Beauregarde is always seen chewing gums. Mike Teave knows nothing but playing video games.
But however, at the chocolate factory these nasty kids get their punishments for their deeds- I won't reveal anymore!
Charlie Bucket is an immensely sweet and likeable. In fact, it is Freddie Highmore who gives the best performance in this film. The previous year he had played Peter Llewelyn Davies in the drama film ''Finding Neverland'', co-starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. Just as his performance in Finding Neverland, his performance in this film is excellent as well.
The thing I disliked a bit about this film was the portrayal of Willy Wonka. He is played by Johnny Depp, an actor who can be seen in many of Tim Burton's movies. While Johnny Depp's performance is quite good, in the book we see Willy Wonka as a cheerful, weird, and funny man. While in this film, the cheerfulness, humor, and weirdness does exist in the character, the character is portrayed a bit grimier, nervous, and creepier. The background added to the character is quite interesting, which is revealed through several flashbacks. The costumes and makeup used in this character are likeable.
The supporting cast includes: David Kelly as Grandpa Joe (who accompanies Charlie throughout their tour in the factory), Helena Bonham Carter, in a comparatively small role as Charlie Bucket's mother, Noah Taylor as Charlie Bucket's father, Christopher Lee as Willy Wonka's father, and Jordan Fry, Julia Winter, AnnaSophia Robb, Philip Wiegratz in the role of the four nasty kids. Deep Roy makes appearance as the Oompa-Loompas, the tiny workers in the factory. Deep Roy himself plays all the Oompa-Loompas. I also have to mention Eileen Essell, who plays a minor role as Grandma Josephine. I liked her from her role as the old lady in the dark comedy film ''Duplex''.
The set decoration and production design deserves special praise. The set is highly beautiful and amazing. It's immensely likeable. The chocolate factory scenes are well-made and beautiful.
Cinematography is beautiful. The songs in this film were originally written by Roald Dahl himself in the novel. The costume designs and makeup are quite good.
Overall, this adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is immensely likeable, with most of the things being accurate to the book (there are a few changes and some additions). The film has beautiful set designs, excellent cast, and a good screenplay. Recommended!
3.5 out of 5!
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